Albany fire chief briefs committee on EMS, prevention and vegetation management as resident raises concern about possible local fire ordinance

Fire Chief Jim Bueto briefed the Albany Standing Committee for Public Safety on April 10 about emergency medical services, fire prevention, recruitment, vegetation management and community preparedness. Earlier in the meeting a resident, Larissa Seto, urged staff to keep the community informed about possible local action to adopt higher fire-hazard standards and noted a June 24 state submission deadline for any municipal ordinance.

Chief Bueto said Albany Fire staffs a daily crew of seven people, including a paramedic engine company, a paramedic truck company and a paramedic ambulance. The department has 22 sworn personnel, one full‑time fire inspector and a part‑time fire inspector. He said Albany holds exclusive operating area rights that preserve local ambulance and EMS service. Bueto reported average response times under four and a half minutes…